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Why Does the Top of My Foot Hurt?

While experiencing pain on the top of the foot is not a very common problem, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause because top of the foot pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions from fractures to neuropathy. This is why you should always have your podiatrist perform a physical exam and any necessary imaging tests to identify the precise source of your pain and discomfort.

Some causes of pain on the top of the foot include the following:

Breaks and stress fractures—The bones, muscles, and other components that form the top of your foot can be quite fragile and are susceptible to injury such as from dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe. Stress fractures can be caused by the continuous stress and pressure of walking, working, and exercise and may not be easy to identify. Always see your foot doctor to accurately determine the cause of your foot pain.

Wearing shoes that are too tight—Improperly fitted shoes often increase the pressure on the top of the foot causing blisters and increasing the occurrence of foot deformities including hammertoes and bunions. High heeled shoes are notorious for causing foot pain and discomfort Always wear shoes that are supportive and that have a wide toe box to give your toes room to move around and avoid wearing high heels.

Systemic diseases—Systemic illnesses such as the various types of arthritis can cause swelling and stiffness on the top of the foot. Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes can contribute to pain, numbness, and tingling on the top of the foot.